Mall's Balls shift puts shoppers in twist

A decision approved by the Adelaide City Council last night to shift Adelaide's iconic Mall's Balls and fountain three metres south to provide a clear view to the hills along the mall has created quite a storm.

Chairman of the Rundle Mall Management Authority, Theo Maras, told 891 Breakfast the redesigning of the Mall would bring twice the current number of trees into the area and provide a clean thorough fare along the district.

Around 5,000 people signed a petition to stop the balls and fountain being relocated, a view that Mr Maras believed was not made by informed decision.

"Just because 5,000 people said I would like to see them there, without sitting down and looking at the overall scheme of things, does that mean to say that we have to change the plans and do everything because a minority has a say?" Mr Maras told 891 Breakfast.

"I don't think so."

Mr Maras said the Authority had proposed the redesign of the Mall to attempt to combat current threats to the area, including the loss of trade to internet shopping, and encourage shoppers back to the area.

"It is about creating and enabling zones on either side of the mall ... provide the shade and provide the facilitation along those areas."

Final stages of negotiations were also being held to reintroduce two cinemas in the Regent Arcade.